Rent Apartment in Tavira Town

 When you rent our holiday apartment in Tavira all of the restaurants listed here in Tavira town will be within walking distance. Due to Covid 19 some of the restaurants listed below may not have survived the pandemic but I will update this when I know more. Any restaurants that are open will be complying with any public health restrictions laid down by the Portuguese government. 

Restaurants in Tavira Town

The restaurants in Tavira town are as many and varied as the churches-there are over 200 so there is something to suit everyones taste and pocket. Below you will find information on some of the restaurants gleaned from our own experience,our renters reviews in our visitor book and from various sources on the internet. We have listed them mostly alphabetically rather than starting with our personal favourites. All of the restaurants are within walking distance of the apartment. You will probably find your own favourite and hope you enjoy doing it.....

During the pandemic restaurants may have less space so if you have a favourite restaurant we advise booking to avoid disappointment.

A Taska-now renamed Thai Tavira

Rua da Porta Nova No.8

Having crossed the roman bridge continue following the street going to the left which brings you to a small square with a tiny park, known as Bishops square-Rua da Porta Nova is the street going straight ahead to the right of the church and this is where you will find Thai Tavira.

This restaurant is small and beautifully decorated so has a lovely intimate atmosphere.

I have not eaten here since it changed hands but looking at reviews on google the food is good and the service is excellent.

Price range-reasonable.

Abstracto

Avenida Dr.antonio cabreira 34

Cross the roman bridge then cross the small road going straight  down the narrow pedestrianised street-toward the end on the right hand side you will find Abstracto.They have  tables outside which is nice in spring and summer and more tables inside.The interior is quirky with a range of different styles of tables and chairs.

This restaurant has changed hands recently and is now offering more traditional Portuguese food .Tel No. 917-043-274

Price range-reasonable.

 Artefact

Rua das Capacheiras 1,3,7

This is a relatively new restaurant which is getting rave reviews on tripadvisor. We have eaten here several times now and enjoyed it immensely.Run by Jeremy and Filipe the food is European ,contemporary Portuguese with vegetarian and vegan options. Produce is sourced from their family farm where possible. We visited with our New Zealand friends who were really impressed with the food, John had the clam starter and I thought he might eat the plate he liked it so much! He said he would have eaten it again for his main course! We all enjoyed our choices and also had the delicious desserts. The atmosphere is very calm, relaxed and friendly. The advice is to book so not to be disappointed. Credit cards accepted.

Tel +351 925 572 178 

Price range-fairly reasonable 

 Aquasul (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

 Rua Dr.Augusto Silva Carvalho no.13

To get to Aquasol follow the directions to Abstracto but take a right turn before arriving at Abstracto-follow this little street around the bend and Aquasol is on the left.They have a number of tables outside and more inside.The interior is decorated with mosaics and is very pretty

 There is no particular theme to the food in Aquasol it comes from many cultures and is organic based.There is a wide variety of dishes and lots for the vegetarian.They have a wood fired oven and make lots of different delicious pizzas.I love the starter of beetroot salad with goats cheese and pine nuts and their chicken curry is really good. Don't expect speedy service here either especially in high season.The management of this Aquasol has passed to the owners daughter and since this had happened the menu is a lot smaller than it used to be which is a pity but staff are very friendly and the food is still good.Tel no.281-325-166

Price range-reasonable

 Aver Tavira

Calcada da Galeria 13

This restaurant has received very good reviews in our visitors book-and was recently awarded a Michelin Star1 It is situated up beside the castle and the Ingreja de Santa Maria do Castelo church.It has several tables outside under some old olive trees, tables inside and about 10 tables on the balcony at the back of the restaurant which has a wonderful view over the town.

 Lunch and dinner is served-with lunch being more reasonable.They cook local Portuguese food with a modern twist.They offer a degustation menu of 6 courses for ?40 per person.There is piano music on a Friday night-so if you have a special occasion to celebrate you could treat yourself to dinner here.Tel no.281-381-363

 Price range-expensive

 Bica

Rua Almirante Candido do reis 24

This is a typical Portuguese restaurant and is frequented by tourists and locals alike. It is good value for money and serves great fish. To get to it walk down the street past Abstracto, at the end of the street turn right and Bica is on the right hand side.

 It has two rooms one of which is not air conditioned so can get a bit hot in high summer.There are also some tables outside.Dishes that are recommended are clams,swordfish,shrimps,seafood chowder and seabass.They also serve various steak and chicken dishes.The house wine is highly praised as is the service and ambiance.Tel no.281-323-843

Price range-very reasonable.

 Rent Tavira Apartment-Terracos de Tavira-Apartment Tavira 

 Beira Rio  (closed Sunday nights)

 Rua Bordas D'Agua da Asseca 46-50  

Known to us and many others as the "Irish restaurant" it is located  in a beautiful building which was once a girls school.You will find it on the river opposite the bus station. They have seating for approx 100 people outside under the trees overlooking the river and more seating inside.The building also houses their bar called The Black Anchor which is open daily from 6pm and serves reasonably priced bar food as well as showing live GAA,Rugby and Soccer matches.They also have live music at the weekends and sing songs so get your party piece ready!! They do great Sunday lunches and I advise booking for that.

The food here is classically based with both Portuguese and Irish influences.They use artisan produce and locally grown organic vegetables. There is a  large variety on the menu with lots of fish and meat dishes and they also have several vegetarian options.They do cataplanas and have a children's menu as well.Portions are always on the large side and main courses come with vegetables and chips/potato dishes.Tel no.281-323-165

 Price range-reasonable-they do a great roast dinner on Sundays with all the trimmings-go with a big appetite as the portions are large.

 Brisa do Rio (closed on wednesdays)

Rua Dr.Augusto Silva Caravalho 6-8

This restaurant has proved very popular with our renters-it has moved location this year(2015) and is now on the street running behind the above Irish restaurant. It now has a huge roof terrace with a glass front, lovely for summer dining.

 It serves typical Portuguese food and is very popular with the locals which says it all. Starters recommended are grilled tuna salad or goats cheese and apple salad.Steaks are very popular as is the sea bream,fresh squid,black pork and prawns piri piri which are properly spicy. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable about the wine they serve and there is a good atmosphere with tables both inside and out.Tel no.281-321-670

Price range-very reasonable,good value for money.

 Dawat

 Largo Dr. Jose Pires Padinha 126A

 This summer was our first time eating here and it won't be our last. It is in a lovely location down by the river so when sitting outside you can watch the people coming and going on the ferry from the island.

They have an extensive menu and you can have the dishes as hot or as mild as you like. The portion sizes are large, so as the starters were so delicious we ate them all and then could not finish our main dishes but this could be a bonus as they will package the leftovers for you to take home. The staff are lovely, the service very efficient and all of the food we had was excellent. We look forward to returning.  Tel 920 039 424

Price range is reasonable 

D'Gusta

Estrada das Aguas 4,

This restaurant which has been a huge hit with our renters ,friends and family and has now relocated from it's central town location out to the Quatro Aguas area where the smaller ferry goes to the beach. You will still need to make a reservation especially in high season as it is still as popular as ever despite the move. The new restaurant has probably double the space inside and also has a large terrace outside. Best to go with friends so you can try out lots of different dishes. We love the various cerviche dishes that they do, the A Bras style vegetable dish is a must as is the arabic rice, the flaming sausage is a great spectacle just watch out you don't set fire to your hair!! The portion sizes are larger than the usual tapas so don't order too much maybe 6/7 dishes between 4 people as you need to leave room for their delicious desserts, my favourite is the pana cotta but the lime cheesecake is equally delicious.We usually walk out and back as we have eaten so well!! Tel 281 326 089

 Gilao Snack Bar

Situated right beside the river you will find it at the end of the park leading from the Praca de Republica, beyond the pretty pond which has the terrapins.This is the restaurant on the left side and they have lots of tables outside with large shady umbrellas.The building is the original Taviran market.

In Summer this is a very busy spot and you may have to wait a while to get a menu,order and be served-but the views over the river and of the nearby park make up for this.You can eat very cheaply here and they do a wide variety of dishes from traditional Portuguese to hot dogs,burgers and omelettes.They serve chips and their grilled/battered squid is to be recommended along with their sardines.All washed down with a nice cold beer ,it is well worth a visit.

Price range- very reasonable.

Food Factory 

Rua Almirante Candido Dos Reis 203

 This restaurant has been opened a few years now, the chef  Sophie who is reported to have trained under Jamie Oliver in the Uk. It is slightly off the beaten track.To get there walk down the lane way that has Abstracto and the Punjab on it,at the end turn right and it is on down this street  on the left hand side.There are pretty fairy lights outside so you will find it easily.It has some outside tables as well as tables inside which is light and airy. There is a small menu featuring organic and locally sourced food which by all accounts is prepared lovingly and with delicious results.Don't be in a rush for your meal as good food takes time! Try it before the word gets out and you can't get a table. Tel 281 325 332

 Kohinoor

Rua Joao Vaz Corte Real 

 This restaurant as the name suggests is an Indian restaurant and has received very good reviews both from our renters and on the internet. It is large, clean ,bright and airy and has very good air conditioning in summer.To find it go over the roman bridge,down the street to the left and then turn left and it is located on this street.

 The dishes available can be served mild,medium or hot to your own taste.There are plenty of vegetarian options and there is also a childrens menu.All the reviewers enjoyed their meal and said it was very good value for money.It is possible to have takeaway and for this there is a 10% discount.The service is very good and the staff are friendly and helpful.Tel 281-326-814

 Price range-reasonable.

 Mama Mia Pizzeria

 Rua Dr.Marcelino Franco 44-46

 This is a very bright and clean restaurant with good friendly service.It is located beside the main Tavira taxi rank.

 The chefs can be seen working from the seating area and there is a huge variety of pizzas to choose from.There are also pasta dishes on offer and the house lasagne is to be recommended-the portion so large it could not be finished.The staff are friendly and you can also avail of a takeaway service.Tel no.281-321-117

Price range-very reasonable

Mira

R.Dr.Marcelino Franco 27

This is a tapas restaurant and is very reasonably priced. I have only eaten here once but will definitely return we really enjoyed all of the dishes we tried. The only negative thing I can say is they need to work on their desserts.

Reserve on thefork.pt

No De Gosto 

Praca Doutor Antonio Padinha 11

This is a family run tapas restaurant and it was our first time trying it this December 2021 where they were very strict about Covid passes if you wanted to eat inside. We ordered 4 dishes between two of us and it was sufficient as we could then enjoy desserts. We had the lamb, beetroot carrapacio, mushrooms and fried potatoes all delicious. For dessert we had the almond cake and the chilli chocolate dessert both were really good. There is a good choice on the wine list both by bottle and glass. There is a nice family atmosphere and we will  definitely return. It is advisable to book in high season.

Tel no. 351-931 380 343  contacto@nodegosto.com

Price range-moderate

O Castelo 

Rua la Liberdade

 If you like steaks then this is the place for you. Walk up the main street past the post office and this restaurant is on your right hand side. You will need to book this one so you are not disappointed especially in high season. Run by a Brazilian called Junior and his wife Georgia they do all kinds of steaks as well as very good prawns and chicken kebab.

Tel 915 087 614 

 Cabana Do Frango

 Rua Joao Vaz Corte Real

This recently changed hands, it was known as O Ciclista and was always very popular with locals.From the apartment it is over the other side of the river past the skateboard park heading on the road to Cachopo. I have not eaten here so can't comment but some of the reviews I have seen on trip advisor were not favourable with regard to the service.Best to cast your own judgement and visit for a meal.

Price range-reasonable

 O patio 

Rua Dr.Antonio Cabreira

This restaurant is very good and specializes in Cataplanas and other traditional Portuguese dishes. To find it head over the roman bridge down the small pedestrianised street straight ahead of you and before you get to Abstracto it is on the right hand side.

The restaurant has 3 rooms  and as you might expect from it's name a patio-a cool rooftop terrace, which is nice in spring, summer and autumn for alfresco dining.There are lovely views over the roof tops of Tavira from the terrace and the staff in this restaurant are very friendly even when under pressure. The food has a  french influence-there is a lot of fish on the menu-the tiger prawns and the fillet steak kebab come highly recommended.They do Cataplanas to be shared by 2 people-which is a stew like dish served in a wok style pot with a lid-it can be of fish,chicken or pork.They also do traditional Portuguese dishes such as black pork.The service is good and complimentary port accompanies the bill.Tel no. 281-323-008

Price range-reasonable.

Pausa

R.Dr.Marcelino Franco 32

This is a very popular tapas restaurant so it is advisable to book so you are not disappointed. It is popular with vegetarians as well as meat eaters. Reviews are very good, there is a good selection of local wines and service is excellent.

Price range-fair

Book on google or myrestoo.net

 Ponto de Encontro (closed Mon)

Praca Dr.Antonio Padinha 39

This receives very good reviews from our renters and you will find it by going over the roman bridge-taking the street to the left which leads to the little square and it is down a street to the right.

 Fully tiled in the typical Portuguese style this is a large comfortable restaurant-which has a small amount of tables outside. It serves mainly traditional Portuguese food-the fish of the day will be presented at your table for your inspection before you order.Recommended dishes are the red snapper, the sole with honey and almonds, tuna and swordfish either Taviran style with an onion sauce or Algarve style with oil and garlic.  Portions are large, there is a very good wine list and the service is friendly and efficient.Well worth a visit. Tel no. 281-323-730.

Price range-reasonable.

 Quatro Aguas

Estrada de Quatro Aguas

This restaurant is situated out at Quatro Aguas where the ferry takes the shorter crossing over to the Isla de Tavira.For this reason it has a  lovely location overlooking the river and there are beautiful sunsets to be enjoyed here while you eat dinner.

This is a large traditional restaurant, it has outside tables in a marquee style addition and also tables without cover. On a nice summers evening it is a great location. The food is good, Portuguese in stlye with lots of fish on the menu.Recommended dishes are oysters,king prawns and all kinds of charcoal grilled fish. Service is efficient and there is a good wine list.Tel no. 281-325-329

Price range- fairly reasonable.

 Rive Gauche

Rua Dr.Augusto da Silva .

Situated in the centre of Tavira further down the same street as Aquasul on the right hand side. It has a few tables outside in the laneway, tables inside where the decor is very pretty and some tables in the courtyard out the back.

The style of food is french as it is owned and run by Sandrine a french lady who I believe also had an input in Abstracto before it was taken over. The food is excellent some dishes to be recommended are the duck salad, prawn curry, prawns in garlic,tomatoes with goats cheese, rib eye steaks,roasted lamb shanks,duck with figs and chicken with pears and gorgonzola cheese. Good service and a reasonable choice of wines.

Tel no.917-043-274

Price Range-Slightly more expensive.

Dona Olinda

Rua Chefe Antonio Afonso 31

This is the closest restaurant to the apartment and has a lovely aspect with a large outside terrace overlooking the river. It used to be called Sal No Ponto but has changed hands recently and due to Covid restrictions on travel we have not been there since. Having read the reviews on tripsavisor I think it will definitely be worth visiting. You can opt for Tapas or go for more substantial Portuguese style meals which by all accounts are very good.

 Tel no. +351 965 443 443 

Price Range-reasonable.

Umi Sushi

Rua Goncalo Velho 16

You will pass this restaurant on your walk to town from the apartment, it is beyond the bus station before you reach the Praca de Rebublica. They have a few tables overlooking the river before your reach the door and more tables inside. There is a lovely  balcony at the back with several tables overlooking the river and the roman bridge. At night with candles lighting it is very atmospheric.

Formerly called  Tavira Lounge this is now a Sushi restaurant with an all you can eat style menu for a fixed price.There is also a charge if you order too much and don't eat it all! I have not tried it yet so check it out on trip advisor.

Tel: 351-281 327 685

Price range-reasonable if you like sushi.

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 Restaurants in Santa Luzia Town

Santa Luzia is just a couple of kilometres from Tavira and it is worth driving or taking a taxi over there to sample the restaurants and take a stroll along the promenade.In high season there is usually a fun fair which is popular with the kids.The following are the restaurants we are familiar with but there are others waiting for you to explore.

 Canto Azul (sadly now closed but is being taken over)

 Avenida Eng.Duarte Pacheco

 We have always loved eating at this restaurant as it has an enviable first floor  covered terrace which overlooks the lagoon with all the small fishing boats bobbing at anchor. The couple who ran it have now retired and it has been taken over but we have not been there yet so will update this when I have more information. The name may be changed also so will find out and report.

 Casa Polvo (closed on Wednesdays)

 Avenida Eng. Duarte Pacheco No.3

 This restaurant is also on the main strip facing the sea but is closer to the Tavira side of Santa Luzia.It is very popular with the locals and as well as 2 rooms inside there is also seating outside overlooking the water.

 The name translates as " House of the Octopus" so you would be correct in thinking there is octopus on the menu-lots of octopus ! There is octopus salad, stewed octopus, octopus strips,octopus capaccio,octopus with cabbage and fried calamaris.They also serve lots of other fish and salads too. There is a dessert menu ,the carob tart is to be recommended. Cash is king here-they don't accept any plastic- so luckily there is a Multibanco close by.Tel 965-084-207

Price range-very reasonable.

 O Capelo (closed on Wednesdays)

 Avenida Eng.Duarte Pacheco 40

 Favoured by the Portuguese this is probably one of the best fish restaurants in the area and as a result is very busy particularly at the weekend, packed with local families. It is also on the main strip and lies between Canto Azul and Casa do Polvo.

 There is a large terrace at the front which overlooks the Rio Formosa as well as a big space inside complete with an aquarium so you can view the shellfish available on the menu. The menu is diverse they serve many fish including squid ,cuttlefish ,flounder and grouper. Meat also features on the menu with steaks,pork and chicken as well as lamb on Sundays.A selection of homemade desserts to follow.Tel-281-381-670.

Price range-heading towards expensive

 Casa da Picanha (closed on Monday)

  Rua Jose Falcao No.1

 If you are someone who likes their meat then this is the place for you.It is difficult to give directions to it-go to Santa Luzia, head through the square with the church into the housing estate beyond and then ask where to go next-address as above.

 Specializing in a type of cooking called Rodizio a brasileira-where various cuts of meat are cooked on a large skewer on a rotisserie.When cooked the meats are taken to the table still on the skewers and are sliced directly onto your plate.The types of meat available include lamb, beef, gammon, chicken, chicken hearts, turkey,sausages and spare ribs.It all comes with rice and black beans and there is a salad and pickle bar where you can help yourself. You can have seconds if you have the appetite! Dinner costs €15 per person while lunch served tues-sat costs €7 per person.It is essential to book as it it always very popular. Tel no. 281-400-936.

 Price range-reasonable

 Vincent

 Rua Teotonio O Pereira 7

Situated on a street roughly behind Capelo this restaurant has been described by reviewers as 5 star food at 3 star prices! It is run by a French chef hence there is French style cooking on offer here.

There is a superb choice of food and wine on the menu and portions are large. Some recommended dishes are the snails of burgundy served with garlic, goats cheese salad, duck with blackberry sauce,rack of lamb and fillet of beef served with pepper or Roquefort sauce. It is advisable to book as it is very popular and lately Vincent the chef has been running the whole show himself so can therefore not do too many covers. We ate here this summer and it was one of the nicest meals I had on this trip so I will definitely be returning. 

Tel 281-381-092.

  Price range-fairly reasonable for the quality served.

There are lots of places to explore in the area around Tavira town.You can travel further up the coast as far as the border with Spain and in the other direction on the EN125 going towards Faro,stopping in towns such as Fuzeta and Olhao. You can also head up into the hills behind Tavira on the road to Cachopo where a totally different landscape awaits you.In all these places you will find various eateries and we will catalogue a few that we have sampled here.

O Infante

Located on the EN125 road between Altura and Monte Gordo this is a large restaurant which has good parking.The service here is the best we have experienced,they have waiters for everything-they just keep coming! It is very popular especially at the weekends with large family groups of Portugese and Spanish.The Maitre D seems to know them all.

 The food is both international and all the specialities of the Algarve.They have a wide variety of fish including octopus , shrimps, skate , and monkfish to name but a few.They also serve many different meat dishes including fillet steaks and leg of lamb.The portion sizes are very large so you would be ambitious if you were to order starters too.They have a very extensive wine list  and a good choice of desserts as well.It is well worth the drive and you can always walk it off on the beach at Monte Gordo! Tel 351-281-956-817

Price range-reasonable.

 Pezinhos N'Areia (closed January and February)

The location of this restaurant is unique-as the name says "feet in the sand" it is literally  just at the edge of  beautiful Praia Verde beach,you can't get any better than that for views and ambiance.This restaurant is beyond O Infante-watch out for the sign for Praia Verde beach-turning right off the EN125.Follow the road through the pine trees and keep going until you reach the car park down the hill beside the beach. Starting out in 1983 as a small hut on the beach it has due to a recent refurbishment grown into a very stylish retaurant indeed.

 The emphasis is on fresh fish and they serve traditional/regional dishes. Some to be recommended are polvo panado, their  wonderful cataplanas ,tapas ,seafood rice and my favourite prawn fritters.If the children are bored they can simply play on the beach it is only steps away.Definitely worth the drive(about 30mins from the apartment) but be sure to book as it is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike.Open every day-June to October it stays open from 10-2300 otherwise it closes at 1930. Lunch is served 12-4.30 , Dinner 7-1030 and Snacks 4.30-7pm.Tel 281-513-195.   

 Price range- reasonable.

Gastronomy (In Cabanas)

Av.Ria Formosa No.110

This restaurant is new and in a modern building purpose built,it is very stylish and the food by all accounts lives up to the venue. The emphasis is on seafood but they also serve meats such as beef,duck,lamb and bull.There are three floors, the ground and first floor which is complete with a balcony serve as dining rooms while the third floor is a lounge for cocktails.There is extensive use of glass to allow diners enjoy the fabulous view over the Ria Formosa.Oysters,clams,shrimp,scallops and lobster are all sourced locally and prepared simply to allow their flavours to shine.It is more expensive than the local restaurants but worth it for a special treat or occasion.

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